The Perfect Way to Use Leftover Turkey!

Hi friends! Got a fridge full of leftover Thanksgiving turkey? Let’s turn those leftovers into something amazing! This Turkey Noodle Casserole is creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor. Plus, it includes peas for a pop of color and a bit of veggie goodness.

You might be thinking—can this be called turkey tetrazzini? While tetrazzini usually includes mushrooms, this version skips them. It’s more of a straightforward casserole, but it’s just as cozy and satisfying.

Let’s dive into the recipe, substitutions, and a few tips to make it your own!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need for this easy, delicious casserole:

• 16 oz fettucine, linguine, spaghetti, or egg noodles: Use what you have on hand!
• ½ cup melted butter: For a rich, buttery base.
• 2 cans cream of chicken soup: Adds creaminess and flavor.
• 1½ cups turkey or chicken broth: Helps loosen the mixture for a smoother, creamier casserole.
• 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: Either works beautifully for that tangy, creamy touch.
• 1 tsp garlic powder and 1 tsp onion powder: Simple seasonings that make all the difference.
• 3 cups cubed cooked turkey: Perfect for using up those Thanksgiving leftovers.
• 1 cup frozen peas: Adds color, texture, and a little veggie goodness.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty and cheesy deliciousness.
• ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs: For a crunchy, golden topping.

Easy Substitutions

Here are some quick swaps to make this recipe work for you:

• Turkey: No turkey? Leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even ham works great.
• Cream of chicken soup: Cream of mushroom or celery soup makes a good alternative.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Swap with cream cheese or even heavy cream for a richer casserole.
• Mozzarella: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan are great substitutes.
• Peas: If peas aren’t your favorite, try cooked broccoli, green beans, or diced carrots.
• Bread crumbs: Crushed crackers or panko mixed with melted butter also make a great topping.

How to Make Turkey Noodle Casserole

This dish comes together in no time:

1. Cook the noodles: Boil them according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. Mix the creamy base: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, turkey or chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, sour cream (or yogurt), garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Combine everything: Add the cooked noodles, turkey, peas, and mozzarella to the bowl. Stir until everything is well mixed.
4. Assemble the casserole: Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over the top.
5. Bake: Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly.

A Few Extra Tweaks

• Make it spicier: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick.
• Try different cheeses: Gouda, Gruyère, or fontina are great options for a different flavor.
• Add more veggies: Chopped mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini can be tossed in for extra nutrition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is like a warm hug in a dish—creamy, cheesy, and perfectly crunchy on top. The turkey (or chicken) broth adds an extra layer of flavor and helps make the casserole even creamier. Plus, the addition of peas provides just the right balance of sweetness and texture.

It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers. In fact, it’s so good, you might find yourself roasting an extra turkey just to have an excuse to make it!

Perfect for Leftovers

Transforming Thanksgiving leftovers into something fresh is the best way to avoid food fatigue. This casserole freezes well too! Assemble it, cover it tightly, and freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

I’d love to hear how your casserole turns out! Did you add your own twist? Let me know in the comments or tag me on social media. 😊

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